The manga and anime universe is a realm where many unique characters possess incredible supernatural abilities in various forms. This includes characters who have lived for a very long time, with their existence spanning thousands of years, even when the outside world does not acknowledge their age.
The world has seen several changes over countless generations, yet these characters often represent an unparalleled strength and have experiences accumulated over an infinite number of lifetimes. Below are a few manga characters that have lived for thousands of years.
5. Muzan Kibutsuji (Demon Slayer)
Muzan has lived for over 1000 years and is considered the progenitor of all demons in Demon Slayer. He embodies the most powerful demon in the series. Muzan is haunted by the idea of overcoming mortality to transform into an everlasting being. Despite his immense power, Muzan has a vulnerability: sunlight.
He is constantly seeking blue flowers that can alter this weakness. This flower may be the source of his strength, which initially drives his ambitions. Muzan also creates many demons with the hope that they will eventually discover a way to overcome his vulnerability to sunlight. He is calculating and determined, always striving to enhance his power without succumbing to the constraints of his own weaknesses.
4. Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)
As a mage who fought alongside the Hero of the Kingdom and has lived for over 1000 years, Frieren has played a significant role in developing the magical systems of humanity. Trained by the legendary mage Flamme, Frieren has accumulated vast magical knowledge throughout her extensive travels.
However, living so long has caused her to feel distant from others, as she cannot perceive time the same way humans do. Nevertheless, she continues to strive for personal connections and cherishes the moments she has experienced throughout her immortal life.
3. Genryusai Shigekuni Yamamoto (Bleach)
After founding the Gotei 13, Genryusai served as Captain-Commander of the first division and led all Shinigami (Soul Reapers) in the Soul Society within the Bleach universe. His tenure lasted over two millennia, during which Yamamoto was recognized as the most powerful Shinigami, wielding the fire-based Zanpakuto, Ryujin Jakka.
He was responsible for training countless Shinigami over many years, including Jushiro Ukitake and Shunsui Kyoraku, the latter eventually becoming a Captain himself. Yamamoto consistently addressed every situation with a calm demeanor, except when it came to matters of honor and justice, which he fiercely defended.
2. Meliodas (Nanatsu no Taizai)
Despite having the appearance of a young boy, Meliodas is actually a demon who has existed for over three thousand years. As the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins, he is a formidable warrior. His carefree demeanor, sense of humor, and commitment to justice have defined Meliodas’s lengthy life in many ways.
For most of his life, Meliodas has maintained a calm disposition, rarely fazed by even the most challenging circumstances. However, this changes when his loved ones or his comrades are threatened, and he becomes a force to be reckoned with. In such cases, Meliodas reveals his true power and will not hesitate to protect those he cares about, showcasing his fierce loyalty.
1. Kars (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Kars, the leader of the Pillar Men, is the creator of the Stone Mask and is responsible for unleashing terror across the world in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. He is an immortal being who has experienced life in its entirety, having lived for thousands of years. With this goal in mind, he created the Stone Mask, which grants him the ability to absorb others to enhance his power and the capacity to avoid sunlight.
Unfortunately, Kars was forced to eliminate most of his kind after he failed to evade the consequences of his ambition. He dedicated much of his remaining time searching for the Red Stone of Aja. After many endeavors, he ultimately succeeded in achieving his goal and transformed into a near-godlike being. However, in the end, he was confronted and defeated by Joseph Joestar.
